Community Announcements

Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Nicholas Patronis to the Northwest Florida Water Management District

Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Nicholas Patronis to the Northwest Florida Water Management District | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Nicholas Patronis to the Northwest Florida Water Management District August 28 2026 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Nicholas Patronis to the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Nicholas Patronis Patronis is the Vice President of Captain Anderson’s Restaurant. Active in his community, he has served as a member of the National and Florida Restaurant Associations. An avid sportsman, Patronis enjoys spending time outdoors and participating in a variety of sporting activities. Patronis attended Gulf Coast State College. This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Two to the Southwest Florida Water Management District

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Robert Boos and the reappointment of Robert Stern to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Robert Boos Boos is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Boos Development Group, Inc. Active in his community, he is a member of The Florida Council of 100 and a long-standing member of the Young Presidents' Organization and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Boos earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. Robert Stern Stern is a Shareholder at Trenam Law. Active in his community, he has served as a member of the University of Florida Board of Trustees, the Florida Postsecondary Education Planning Commission, and the Tampa Civil Service Board. Stern earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Seven to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Peter Crocitto, Jo Culberson, Nan Jeffcoat, and David Vincent and the reappointment of Christopher Nebbeling, James “Randy” Reaves, and Edgar Rosa to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Peter Crocitto Crocitto is the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Keiser University. Active in his community, he has served as a member of the Commission for Independent Education, the Career College Association, and the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administration. Crocitto earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fort Lauderdale College and his master’s degree in business administration from the New York Institute of Technology. Jo Culberson Culberson is the Director of the Northwest Florida State College Public Safety Training Center. Previously, she served as the Law Enforcement Training Coordinator and Sergeant of Police at Northwest Florida State College and a Deputy Sheriff and School Resource Officer for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Culberson earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of West Florida. Nan Jeffcoat Jeffcoat is a Warden for the Florida Department of Corrections. Previously, she served as an Assistant Warden for the Florida Department of Corrections and a Victim Advocate for the Eighth Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Jeffcoat earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida. David Vincent Vincent is the Citrus County Sheriff. Active in his community, he is a member of the YMCA of the Suncoast Board of Directors and is a Graduate of the FBI National Academy. Vincent earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Gulf Coast University. Christopher Nebbeling Nebbeling is a Patrol Officer, Instructor, and Range Master with the West Palm Beach Police Department. He is a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, Master Taser Instructor, Driving Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. A veteran of the United States Army, Nebbeling earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Phoenix. James “Randy” Reaves Reaves is a Sergeant with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He has been in law enforcement for over 20 years and currently serves as the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5-30 in Jacksonville. Reaves earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Auburn University. Edgar Rosa Rosa is a Correctional Sergeant with the Orange County Corrections Department. He is currently the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 86 where he has been a member since 2004. Rosa earned a Corrections Officer Certification from Valencia College.

Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Three to the North Broward Hospital

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Stacy Angier, Ray Berry, and Jennifer Nicole to the North Broward Hospital District. Stacy Angier Angier is the Owner of A Plus Educational Consultants. Additionally, she serves as a part-time Finance Person for Ocean Fresh Seafood of Central Florida and as a consultant for Precious Promise Academy and Christian Life Academy. Active in her community, Angier has served as a member of the League of Christian Schools Accreditation Commission and the Broward Health Foundation Board of Directors. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami Christian College and her master’s degree from Oral Roberts University. Ray Berry Berry is the Founder and Chairman of Health Business Solutions. Active in his community, he serves on the Habitat for Humanity of Broward Board and previously served as the Chair of the Jack and Jill Children’s Center, the Vice Chair of the Joe DiMaggio Foundation Board, and the Health Care Chair of the Broward Workshop. Berry earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Jennifer Nicole Nicole is a Shareholder at Gunster Yoakley. Active in her community, she previously served as a member of the Broward County Housing Authority. Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Miami and her juris doctor from the University of Virginia.

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Four to the Children's Trust of Alachua County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Robert Page and Lisa Denning Tate and the reappointment of Dr. Nancy Hardt and Charles “Lee” Pinkoson to the Children's Trust of Alachua County. Robert Page Page is the Senior Vice President of SouthState Bank. Active in his community, he is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and a former member of the Independent Community Bankers of America Board of Directors. Page earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Florida. Lisa Denning Tate, DNP Denning Tate is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for Malcolm Randall Veterans Hospital. Active in her community, she is a member of the American and Florida Associations of Nurse Anesthetists. Denning Tate earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, her master’s degree in health sciences administration, and her master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Francis, her master’s degree in nursing anesthesiology from Bradley University, and her doctorate in anesthesiology from Florida International University. Dr. Nancy Hardt Dr. Hardt is currently retired and previously served as a Professor at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine. Active in her community, she has served as a member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville Board of Directors. Dr. Hardt earned her bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College and her Doctor of Medicine degree from Loyola University. Charles “Lee” Pinkoson Pinkoson is currently retired. Active in his community, he previously served as an Alachua County Commissioner and as a member of the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors. Pinkoson earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida.

Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints John Rood to the Florida Prepaid College Board

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of John Rood to the Florida Prepaid College Board.John RoodRood is the Chairman of The Vestcor Companies and the former United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He has served on numerous boards including the Board of Governors of the State University System, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Jacksonville Port Authority. Rood earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Montana.This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Four Judicial Nominating Commission Appointments

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announces four appointments to the First District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. First District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission Jeff Aaron, of Tallahassee, is a Founding Shareholder at DownsAaron. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. Aaron is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2030. Jason Hilborn, of Tallahassee, is a Deputy Attorney General for the Florida Office of the Attorney General. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Harvard Law School. Hilborn is appointed from a list of nominees recommended by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2030. Lazaro Fields, of Tallahassee, is a Partner at Continental P.L.L.C. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Fields is appointed from a list of nominees recommended by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2030. Benjamin Gibson, of Tallahassee, is a Partner at Shutts & Bowen L.L.P. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Gibson is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Governor Ron DeSantis Reappoints Four to the South Broward Hospital District

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Brad Friedman, Douglas Harrison, Steven Harvey, and Diana Taub to the South Broward Hospital District. Brad Friedman Friedman is the President and Owner of Artisan Foods Catering, Inc. Active in his community, he has served as a member of the James Beard Foundation. Friedman attended Broward College. Douglas Harrison Harrison is the General Counsel for Blue Mountain Analytics, LLC. Active in his community, he is a member of the Meadow Pines Community Development District Board of Supervisors and is the recipient of the 2019 Hall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Award from the Broward Education Foundation. Harrison earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. Steven Harvey Harvey is the Assistant Dean of Operations and Administration at Nova Southeastern University. He has over 30 years of educator and management experience at Nova Southeastern University. Harvey earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Nova Southeastern University. Diana Taub Taub is a Self-employed Consultant in the areas of Advertising, Design, Education, and Insurance. Active in her community, she is a member of the Florida Association of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Administrators. Taub earned her bachelor’s degree from the Pratt Institute and her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day

TO: Brian Fienemann, Director of Real Estate Management and Development FROM: Governor Ron DeSantis DATE: Thursday, September 10, 2026 RE: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day It has been 25 years since the United States of America was attacked by radical Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001. Our Nation stands united in remembrance of the 2,977 lives lost on that day, including many first responders, local law enforcement, and military personnel who demonstrated selfless courage in the face of terror. To honor and remember those who were lost on that day, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 11, 2026. To view the Patriot Day Proclamation, Click Here.

Governor DeSantis Celebrates Florida’s History of Communism Standards

Governor DeSantis Celebrates Florida’s History of Communism Standards | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Governor DeSantis Celebrates Florida’s History of Communism Standards September 10 2026 MIAMI, Fla.— Today, Governor DeSantis celebrated the implementation of Florida’s History of Communism standards, the most comprehensive in the nation. With the implementation of these standards, Florida continues to set the national benchmark for civic and historical education, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of communist ideology, including the erosion of individual rights, concentration of government power, and human suffering, while fostering a stronger appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities afforded by America’s Constitutional Republic.“As the new school year gets underway, Florida’s new History of Communism education standards ensure that students receive comprehensive instruction on the historical reality of communism,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thanks to legislation I signed, all high school students are now required to learn about the damage that this ideology has caused around the world and the experiences of those who suffered under communist regimes. It is our duty to make sure that the next generation understands the truth about communism, so they are less susceptible to the false promises of “socialists” who seek to subvert our way of life in service of a radical and dangerous agenda.”“Governor DeSantis has ensured Florida students learn the truth about one of history’s most devastating ideologies and the immense human suffering it has caused around the world,” said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. “By studying the atrocities committed under communist regimes, including political oppression, forced migration, famine, and the suppression of basic freedoms, students gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of concentrated government power and the loss of individual liberty. Just as importantly, Florida’s History of Communism standards help foster a stronger appreciation for the freedoms, opportunities, and constitutional protections that define the American way of life. An informed understanding of history is essential to preserving liberty, strengthening civic responsibility, and preparing the next generation to safeguard the freedoms we hold dear.”In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 395, creating Victims of Communism Day and requiring Florida schools to provide at least 45 minutes of instruction on the history of communist regimes and the suffering they inflicted through poverty, famine, forced migration, political violence, and the suppression of fundamental freedoms, including speech and religion.Building on that effort, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1264 in 2024, expanding the requirement to ensure students receive a more comprehensive understanding of communism's history and its impact around the world. Continuing Florida's leadership in civic and historical education, the State Board of Education approved new History of Communism standards in November 2025. The standards were revised to include the indictment of Raúl Castro and the collapse of the Maduro regime in Venezuela to provide students with relevant, real-world examples that illustrate the ongoing atrocities committed by communist governments.

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins

Jay Collins | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins August 12, 2025 – Present Lieutenant Governor (LG) Collins is a highly decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran who sustained a number of debilitating injuries that led to the loss of his leg. Remarkably, he continued to serve five additional years as a Green Beret post-amputation, ultimately retiring after more than 23 years of service. Following his military service, LG Collins took a position with Operation BBQ Relief, overseeing the distribution of millions of meals to Americans following natural disasters and helping veterans and their families by creating culinary delights together. Through his nonprofit work across the country, LG Collins heard the concerns of Americans. Americans who agree that they want their families to succeed, their children to have better lives than they did, and to improve the quality of life in their communities. With this in mind, the LG took the chance and answered the call to public service by running for Florida State Senate in District 14. During his tenure as a Florida State Senator, he distinguished himself through strategic leadership and legislative impact. As Chairman of the Agricultural and Transportation Committees, he championed infrastructure initiatives vital to Florida’s economic connections across tourism, agriculture, and supported our state’s farming industry by banning cultivated meats and protecting farmlands from criminal intent. LG Collins authored and passed over 55 pieces of legislation and secured more than $120 million in funding to uplift the Tampa Bay region, support Florida’s First Responders and Veterans, and invest in premier educational institutions. His proven record of results and vision for Florida’s future culminated in his appointment as the 21st Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida.A committed family man, LG Collins is married to his wife of 25 years Layla, a retired Veteran with 20 years of service in her own right, and a father to two young sons, Gabe and Colt. As a family they rescued their pup Tucker, attend Grace Family Church, and strive to leave things better than they got it. Photo GalleryScheduling Requests

Utility Rate Tariff

SMRU's goal is to provide all of our customers with affordable utility rates. View rates and fees (PDF) that we charge to our water and sewer customers. Seasonal Absences If you are planning an extended absence from your home, you may request that your meter be locked to insure against high water bills due to leaking pipes or running toilets while you are gone. Locking your meter will cease all water flow to the property so please consider irrigation or swimming pool requirements before requesting the meter be locked. A $30 fee will include locking and unlocking the meter on the dates you provide. You will continue to receive bills for base fees in your absence. Please contact customer service at 772-546-2511 to request this service or if you would like additional information.

Florida Announces the Start of Workforce Pell Grant Funding to Support Short-Term, Career-Focused Training

Florida Announces the Start of Workforce Pell Grant Funding to Support Short-Term, Career-Focused Training September 17, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards More Than $10 Million to More Than 1,500 New Law Enforcement Officers

LAND O’LAKES, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $10 million in bonuses to 1,506 new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, including 38 new recruits in Pasco County. Since 2022, nearly 12,500 new law enforcement officers across the state have received bonuses through the program, totaling more than $83 million.“In 2022, while some cities were reaping the disastrous results of “defund the police” experiments, I signed landmark legislation to strengthen law enforcement recruitment and retention in Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In the four years since, we have awarded nearly 12,500 bonuses totaling more than $83 million to our law enforcement officers. We have also made record-breaking investments in officer pay, benefits, training, and protections for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the people of our state. We continue to build on this foundation to keep Florida the most law enforcement-friendly state in the country.”“Governor DeSantis has made Florida the national model for supporting law enforcement and the nearly 12,500 recruitment bonuses awarded since 2022 are a testament to the success of that commitment,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Through a comprehensive commitment to the men and women who protect our communities—including investments in pay increases, expanded education opportunities and wellness benefits—Florida remains committed to our sworn officers and their families.”The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly recruited and employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve Florida. The bonuses are part of a broader initiative to solidify Florida’s position as the Nation’s law-and-order state.Under the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, the Governor secured $19.8 million in pay increases for sworn state law enforcement officers, $20 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, and $2.5 million in pay increases for state firefighters. In the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, state law enforcement officers saw a raise in the minimum base pay to $60,000 and significant raises for both entry-level and veteran officers—10% and 15% increases, respectively. The state has also expanded wellness resources, enhanced penalties for crimes against officers, introduced law enforcement education programs in high schools, and launched the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program to cover training costs for new recruits.In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, excellent health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and more.For more information about the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment, visit FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.

Leadership

Leadership | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Governor Governor Ron DeSantis A native Floridian with blue-collar roots, Governor DeSantis grew up in Dunedin and worked his way through Yale University, where he was the captain of the varsity baseball team, and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, where he earned a commission in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer. He deployed to Iraq in support of the SEAL mission in Fallujah, Ramadi, and the rest of the Al Anbar province. In 2018, Ron DeSantis was elected the 46th Governor of Florida. As… Lieutenant Governor Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins Lieutenant Governor (LG) Collins is a highly decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran who sustained a number of debilitating injuries that led to the loss of his leg. Remarkably, he continued to serve five additional years as a Green Beret post-amputation, ultimately retiring after more than 23 years of service. Following his military service, LG Collins took a position with Operation BBQ Relief, overseeing the distribution of millions of meals to Americans following…

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Second Annual Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Second Annual Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Second Annual Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday September 14 2026 LAKELAND, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is back for a second year, providing tax relief on firearms, ammunition and a wide range of hunting, fishing and camping supplies through December 31. The Governor also broke ground on the new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc in Lakeland, expanding opportunities for Floridians to participate in shooting sports and enjoy the outdoors.“Since I became governor, we have enacted billions of dollars in tax cuts. This year’s hunting, fishing and camping sales tax holiday—ongoing through December 31—will provide Floridians with even more tax relief,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are proud to protect Floridians’ Second Amendment rights while helping hunters, anglers, and sportsmen keep more of their hard-earned money.”The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday began September 1 and runs through December 31, 2026. During the holiday, Florida will suspend the collection of sales tax on eligible firearms, ammunition and hunting, fishing and camping equipment.Eligible purchases include: Ammunition; Firearms, including pistols, rifles and shotguns; Firearm accessories, including holsters, grips, sights, stocks and cleaning kits; Bows, crossbows and related accessories; Fishing rods, reels, bait and tackle; and Eligible camping supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves and lanterns. Following the success of last year’s inaugural holiday, Florida expanded tax relief for 2026. This year, the state doubled the eligible price thresholds for fishing bait and tackle to $10 for individual items and $20 for multiple items sold together. Florida also expanded tax relief for firearm accessories through a separate sales tax exemption that includes magazines, range bags, firearm barrels, triggers, slings, bipods and suppressors.“Consumers can take advantage of the 2026 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday by purchasing qualifying supplies tax-free from September 1 through December 31,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chief Conservation Officer George Warthen. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Legislature, this is an opportunity to invest in equipment that helps connect people with Florida’s great outdoors”This year’s holiday is expected to provide approximately $40 million in tax relief to Florida’s hunters, anglers and sportsmen. Combined with the estimated $45 million in tax relief provided during the inaugural holiday in 2025, Floridians are projected to save nearly $85 million over the first two years of the program.The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday builds on Governor DeSantis’ record of protecting Second Amendment rights and expanding opportunities for Florida’s sportsmen. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida enacted Constitutional Carry and eliminated a provision in state law that allowed firearm restrictions to automatically take effect during declared local emergencies. Last year, Governor DeSantis also signed legislation streamlining Florida’s concealed weapon licensing process and prohibiting the use of drones to harass individuals on state hunting lands or private shooting ranges.Florida has also expanded opportunities for hunters and anglers. Last year, Florida brought back the black bear hunt for the first time in a decade, and the state is continuing that opportunity in 2026. Applications for the 2026 bear hunt are open through September 21, with the statewide hunt scheduled for December 5 through December 27.In Lakeland, Governor DeSantis also broke ground on the new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc, which was authorized in this year’s state budget.Tenoroc serves the public and hunter safety students and currently offers supervised rifle and handgun ranges, sporting clays, 5-stand, trap, air rifle and archery ranges. The new Florida Archery Center will expand Tenoroc’s existing offerings while providing more opportunities for Floridians to enjoy shooting sports and safely and responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights.A full list of items eligible for the 2026 Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday is available at FloridaRevenue.com/HuntFishCamp.

Flag Status: Full Staff

Flag Information | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Flag Information Pursuant to 4 U.S.C. § 1, et seq, the Governor has adopted a protocol for displaying the National and State Flags. Consistent with this protocol, the Governor will, on rare and solemn occasions, direct the flags to be lowered to half-staff. On this page, you can learn about the status of the flag and review a copy of the Governor’s flag protocol. Subscribe to Flag Alerts Flag Alert Subscription Form Flag Protocol Executive Office of the Governor Flag Protocol [PDF] Department of State Flag Protocol Fly Your Flag at the Capitol Military Retirement Flag Request Form [PDF] Significant Achievement Flag Request Form [PDF] Request Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff Flag Program Request Form Flying at Half-Staff Mail Executive Office of the GovernorOffice of the General CounselThe Capitol, Room 209400 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399 Phone 850.717.9310 Email [email protected] Where to Purchase a Flag Mail The Museum of Florida HistoryR. A. Gray Building500 South Bronough StreetTallahassee, FL 32399 Phone 850.245.6375 Email [email protected] Website Florida's History Shop Flag Memorandums Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of City Commissioner Chris Jones May 28, 2026 MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Mayor Eleanor Threlkel March 11, 2026 MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 5, 2025 MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Naval Air Station Pensacola Remembrance Day December 5, 2025 MEMORANDUM: Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Representative J. Bruce Hoffmann December 4, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis | Executive Office of the Governor Skip to main content Governor Ron DeSantis January 8, 2019 – Present A native Floridian with blue-collar roots, Governor DeSantis grew up in Dunedin and worked his way through Yale University, where he was the captain of the varsity baseball team, and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, where he earned a commission in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer. He deployed to Iraq in support of the SEAL mission in Fallujah, Ramadi, and the rest of the Al Anbar province. In 2018, Ron DeSantis was elected the 46th Governor of Florida. As Governor, he has led across a wide range of issues by successfully navigating Florida through the COVID pandemic, protecting Floridians from the harmful impacts of illegal immigration, expanding school choice, promoting public safety (with a record 50-year crime low in the state), keeping Florida’s economy strong, ensuring road improvement projects are fully funded and ahead of schedule, and making historic investments in environmental conservation and stewardship. Thanks to the Governor’s efforts, Florida ranks #1 for economy (among all 50 states); for higher education (ten years in a row); for attracting and developing a talented workforce; for parental empowerment and educational freedom; for tourism and net in-migration; and for law enforcement recruiting and support. Governor DeSantis is married to Casey DeSantis, an Emmy Award-winning television anchor. Together, they’re the proud parents of their daughters, Madison and Mamie, and their son, Mason. Photo GalleryVideo GalleryScheduling RequestsContact For more immediate service, please include email address with your letter or phone call. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

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Forwarding Mail

Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address Moving or Relocating If you're moving, submit a permanent change of address request so your USPS® mail is properly rerouted to your new address. If you're only relocating for 15 days up to 1 year (like going to school or staying with family or friends), submit a temporary change of address request. Getting Started Plan ahead. Although mail forwarding may begin within 3 business days of your submitted request, it's best to allow up to 2 weeks. Mail will be forwarded to your new address as it comes, piece by piece. What Mail Is Forwarded First-Class™ mail and periodicals (newsletters and magazines) are forwarded for free. Priority Mail Express®, Priority Mail®, and USPS Ground Advantage® items are forwarded for free. Media Mail® items are forwarded, but you must pay the cost for shipping from your local Post Office™ location to your new address. USPS Marketing Mail® is not forwarded. Your change of address order only changes your mailing address with the Post Office. You must still update government agencies (like for your benefits, driver's license, and voter registration) and companies (like banks, insurance, online stores, etc.). Forwarding Mail Exceptions & Details (DMM 507.2.0) Where to Go to Change Your Address Choose to change your address in a few simple steps online or visit your local Post Office location. You must submit your change of address request in person at a Post Office location if: You're moving outside the United States You're submitting a change of request for someone else You're unable to verify your identity online How to Change Your Address Online Go to the Official USPS Change of Address® website. Choose an option for either an "Individual," "Family" (where everyone has the same last name), or "Business" move, and complete the form. Verify your identity: Opt in online to receive a verification code or link on your mobile phone. Pay the $1.25 identity verification fee. The billing address on your credit card must match either your old or new address. If your online identity verification succeeds: USPS will email you a confirmation code. Use this code if you need to modify or cancel your request. You'll get a Move Validation letter to the address you’re moving from (your "old" address) About 5 business days before your change of address start date, you'll get a Customer Notification Letter (with your confirmation code) to your "new" address. You'll also get a welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners. Mail will be rerouted to your new address piece by piece. If you can’t verify your identity online: USPS will send you an email with instructions and a barcode. Bring the email along with acceptable photo ID to a local Post Office location. Change Your Address How to Change Your Address at the Post Office Visit your local Post Office location with acceptable photo ID and any other required documents. Request a free Mover's Guide packet. Fill out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet, and give it to the retail associate. They will use your photo ID to verify your identity, then process your change of address request. Visit Change of Address FAQs Change of Address Exceptions & Details (DMM 507.2.0) If You're Unable to Verify Your Identity To submit a change of address, you must verify your identity. If you can't verify your identity online, go to a Post Office location with acceptable ID. If you can't verify your identity at a Post Office location, you will not be able to complete a change of address with USPS. If you can't submit a change of address with USPS, your only option is to directly contact everyone who might send you mail—people, companies, and government agencies—and give them your new address. Change of Address Requests for Special Situations Submitting a Change of Address Request for Someone Else If you're changing an address for someone else (as their "Authorized Agent"), you'll need to go in-person to a Post Office location and bring acceptable ID and additional documents (depending on who you’re changing the address for): A child under the age of 18: Their birth certificate A person who is unable to act for themselves: Power of Attorney Stop or Forward Mail for the Deceased To submit a change of address request for someone who is deceased, you must go in-person to a Post Office location with documents showing you're the executor or administrator authorized to manage their mail. (Having their death certificate is not enough.) Managing Mail for the Deceased International Moves: If you're going to move outside the United States, before you leave the U.S., you must go to a Post Office location to verify your identity and submit your change of address request in person. Businesses: If you are submitting a business change of address request in-person at a Post Office location, you must have documentation, like a notarized letter, power of attorney, or letter on company letterhead (signed by someone in a leadership role) that shows you’re an "Authorized Agent" who can submit a change of address request for the business. U.S. Military Moves: For U.S. military moves, first work with your command; your AMPS relocation info will automatically be shared with USPS. If you still need to submit a change of request with USPS, you can do so either in person or online. For online requests, if you are moving from a military address, your email address must end in .gov, .mil, or .edu. Important note: If you need to verify your identity in person, you can only do so at Post Office locations in the 50 states and Puerto Rico. If you are outside of the U.S., you cannot verify your identity in-person and won’t be able to submit a change of address with USPS. Related Mail Services USPS Hold Mail Service If you'll be away for 3–30 days, you can "pause" all mail delivery to your address with USPS Hold Mail® service. Your local Post Office will hold all mail to your address until you return. Your mail carrier will deliver all your held mail on the last day of your hold, or you can pick up your mail at the Post Office. Schedule USPS Hold Mail Service Extended Mail Forwarding Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months. You can pay to extend mail forwarding for 6, 12, or 18 more months (18 months is the maximum). To purchase Extended Mail Forwarding, you can add it when you first submit your change of address request or if you later edit your request. (USPS will also send you a reminder email when you have 1 month left in your mail forwarding.) Important: You can’t cancel or request a refund for Extended Mail Forwarding. For more information and pricing, read the Extended Mail Forwarding FAQs. Note: When your mail forwarding period ends, USPS will return your mail to the sender for 6 months with a label that has your new address. Premium Forwarding Services In addition to regular mail forwarding, USPS offers paid Premium Forwarding Service® options. For a fee, customers can have their mail packed up and sent to them: For residential customers, in a weekly Priority Mail shipment; for businesses, in daily, weekly, or monthly Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express shipments. Premium Forwarding Mail Services